Wednesday, August 26, 2009


Sony to put digital Readers in US independent bookshops
26.08.09 Philip Jones in The Bookseller

Sony is to begin selling its digital Reader devices, including its new wireless Reader, through independent bookshops in the US later this year, with US independent bookstores able to sell digital content in the epub format from the beginning of this autumn.
The moves marks a further shift in competition against Amazon.com's Kindle device, which does not support the open epub format that is now being widely adopted by publishers.
The stores, using the American Booksellers Association's IndieCommerce platform, will offer content in epub protected by Adobe’s Content Server 4 (ACS4) digital rights management. Sony said that plans were "underway to make Sony’s e-Reader devices available for purchase from independent bookstores in time for this holiday season". This could include 200 participating members of the ABA, including stores such as Tattered Cover (Denver, CO) and Vroman’s Bookstore (Pasadena, CA).
Sony announced at a news conference yesterday (25th August) that it was to release a wireless version of its electronic reading device in the US in December. On the same day Waterstone's in the UK said that it was to sell two new Sony Reader models, a touch-screen device and a pocket version, exclusively until 17th September.
In the US Sony also revealed a new Library Finder application, that offers visitors to its e-book store access to their local library’s collection of eBooks. Through the selected library’s download website, visitors can check out e-books with a valid library card, download them to a PC and transfer to their Reader."From the beginning, we have said that an open format means more choice for consumers," said Steve Haber, president of Sony’s Digital Reading Business Division. "Now, working with other industry leaders, we can provide a device that is compatible with the widest selection of content available. Readers can shop around for what interests them rather than be locked into one store."

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